Syndiakonia-January 2018

SYNDIAKONIA

THE MONTHLY BULLETIN OF THE HOLY TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΜΕΤΑΜΟΡΦΩΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ Marietta, GA JANUARY 2018

Theophany-Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ When You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, the veneration of the Trinity was revealed. For the voice of the Father gave witness to You, calling You the Beloved Son, and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of His words. Glory to You, O Christ our God, who appeared and enlightened the world. Holy Transfiguration GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 3431 Trickum Road Marietta, GA 30066

Tel. 770 924-8080 Fax 770 924-3030

Website: www.holytrans.org

CHURCH OFFICE Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Secretary: Anne Willcocks E-mail: [email protected]

SUNDAY SERVICES Orthros...... 8:30 am Divine Liturgy...... 10:00 am PARISH CLERGY Rev. Father Panayiotis Papageorgiou, Ph.D. Presiding Protopresbyter Rev. Father George Pallas, Protopresbyter Rev. Father John Brown, Protopresbyter Rev. Father Paul Lundberg, Presbyter

PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Ken Bilson Ellen Linebaugh Terry Bliss Paul Markley Dennis Christopher Harry Mavromatidis Mike Jacobs Jon Papastrat Zack Kollias Steve Tingas Dennis Koutouzis Danny Vlahiotis

Directions to our Parish:

FROM I-75 Exit at 267-A. At 1st light, turn right (Sandy Plains Road). Continue for 3-4 miles until you see a CVS Pharmacy on your left. At that light turn left onto Trickum Rd. Proceed Approx 1/2 mile. Church will be on your left. You can’t miss it!

http://www.holytransfiguration.info/directions/ !appy New Year

May the New Year 2018 bring to all of you abundant blessings from God.

Best Wishes from the Christian Orthodox Community of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Marietta, Georgia.

We are an Orthodox Parish in continuity with the Apostolic Traditions of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church Fr. Panayiotis’ Message January 2018 A New Year - A New Opportunity

Many new nears’ ago Jesus said this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, `Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?' And he answered him, `Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'" (Luke 13:6-9) We as a parish are a fig tree planted by the Lord. Each one of us, as members of the parish, are branches of this fig tree receiving nourishment from the Holy Spirit. This new year offers us the opportunity to fulfill the desire of the Lord for us to present to Him the spiritual fruits of our lives. He has blessed us with so much. He expects us to bear the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, Long- suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control (Gal. 5:22). He expects us to shine with His light to the world around us who is in darkness. The Holy Spirit Himself, who waters and nourishes us, is pleading with the Lord for one more year! "Grant them, Oh Lord, one more year and they will show their fruits!" This New Year 2018 must become the best year of our spiritual growth. We have no excuse. We have all the material things we need. We have a beautiful church. We have new buildings, new classrooms, new conference rooms, a new athletic court, even a new parking lot. This new year offers us the opportunity to produce real spiritual fruits. Of course, there can be no fruits if we do not grow personally, if we do not learn how to overcome selfishness and egotism and humble ourselves, if we do not learn how to pray and surrender to the Will of God, if we do not allow Him to lead our lives. There can be no spiritual growth if we do not take control over our passions, our anger and gluttony, the fleshly desires and our love of material things. There can be no growth if we do not cultivate the virtues of love and self-sacrifice for the Lord. This new year is a new opportunity for personal development according to the Will of God. We don't know how many more years He will patiently afford us, so we need to get to work. The Orthodox Church, through the experience of generations of holy men and women, has built a worship cycle to help us connect with God more easily. She has put in place the holy sacraments to help us receive God's Grace in order to transform ourselves and heal our wounds and passions. The new year offers us the opportunity to utilize these tools for personal growth. We are called this year to make the extra effort to attend a Saturday Vespers, to arrive early in church on Sundays and experience the Orthros prayers and hymns, to come to an overnight vigil and immerse ourselves in uplifting worship, to make sure not to miss a single service during Holy Week and experience His life on earth, which brought our redemption. Let's make an extra effort this year to read a spiritual book and challenge our minds to love God more. Let's take advantage of confession to wash away the filth from our souls. This year we need to approach Holy Communion with the "fear of God, faith and love" after proper preparation so that we may truly taste of the Kingdom of God. Let us live this new year as if it were our last one on this earth, so the Lord may bless it and grant us many more years filled with the fruits of the Spirit. May generations after us find nourishment in the spiritual fruits of our labors for many new years to come. 3431 Trickum Road Marietta, GA 30066 Tel. 770-924-8080, Fax 770-924-3030 Rev. Fr. P anayiotis P apageorgiou, Ph.D ., P rotopresbyter

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES January 2018

December 31st Sunday evening. Great Vespers at 5:00 pm. January 1, Monday, Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ, and St. Basil the Great. ! Orthros 8:45 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. January 2, Tuesday Evening: Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of St. Seraphim of Sarof 6:00 pm January 5, Friday, Forefeast of Theophany. !The Great Hours of Theophany 9:30 -11:00 am. ! Today we hold the fast in preparation to receive the Holy Water of Theophany (strict fast). !Evening: Great Vespers of Theophany 6:00 pm. January 6, Saturday, Holy Theophany. Feast of the Baptism of Christ (the Feast of Lights). ! Orthros, 8:30, Divine Liturgy 9:30 am followed by the Great Ayiasmos (Blessing of the Waters). Evening: Great Vespers 5:00 pm - Synaxis of St. John the Forerunner. January 7, Sunday, Synaxis of St. John the Forerunner and Baptist. ! Orthros 8:30 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. ! Vasilopita Sunday: Today we will celebrate the Vasilopita for the benefit of St. Basil's Academy. January 8, Monday, Evening: Great Vespers 6:00 pm, Feast of St. Efstratios the Wonderworker. January 9, Tuesday, Feast of St. Efstratios the Wonderworker. ! Orthros 9:00 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. January 13, Saturday, Great Vespers 5:00 pm. January 14, Sunday, Sunday after the Feast of Theophany. ! Orthros 8:30 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. January 16, Tuesday, Great Vespers 6:00 pm. Feast of St. Anthony the Great January 17, Wednesday, Feast of St. Anthony the Great ! Orthros 9:00 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. ! Evening: Great Vespers 6:00 pm - Feast of Sts. Athanasios and Cyril. January 18, Thursday, Feast of Sts. Athanasios and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria. ! Orthros 9:00 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. January 20, Saturday, Great Vespers 5:00 pm. January 21, Sunday, 15th Sunday of Luke. ! Orthros 8:30 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. January 24, Wednesday, Evening: Great Vespers 6:00 pm, Feast of St. Gregory the Theologian January 25, Thursday, Feast of St. Gregory the Theologian SCHEDULE OF SERVICES . . . January 2018

! Orthros 9:00 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. !Thursday Evening: Great Vespers for the Feast of St. Xenophon 6:00 pm January 26, Friday, Feast of St. Xenophon & his Companions Orthros 9:00 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. January 27, Saturday, Great Vespers 5:00 pm. Beginning of the Triodion January 28, Sunday, 16th Sunday of Luke - Publican and the Pharisee ! Orthros 8:30 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. !Special Celebration of Greek Letters and the Three Hierarchs !This week, we do not fast on Wednesday and Friday on account of the hypocrisy of the Pharisee and acknowledging that fasting alone is not acceptable to God if it is not accompanied by humility and repentance. January 29, Monday Evening: Great Vespers for the Feast of the Holy Three Hierarchs 6:00 pm. January 30, Tuesday, Feast of the Holy Three Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. Orthros 8:45 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. ------The Holy Three Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers

Wisdom from the Fathers on Prayer St. John Chrysostom says: "Prayer is a harbor in the storms of life, an anchor for those who are storm-tossed, the treasure of the poor, the security of the rich, the healing of the sick, the preservation of health. Prayer banishes evil things, and preserves the good." "Prayer silences the passions of the soul, assuages the rebellion of anger, dismisses envy, dissipates evil desire, withers the love of worldly things, and brings great peace and serenity to the soul." 3431 Trickum Road Marietta, GA 30066 Tel. 770-924-8080, Fax 770-924-3030 Rev. Fr. P anayiotis P apageorgiou, Ph.D ., P rotopresbyter

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES February 2018 February 1, Thursday, Blessing of the Water 11:00 am !!Evening: Great Vespers, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 6:00 pm February 2, Friday, Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple !!Orthros 8:45 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. February 3, Saturday, Great Vespers, 5:00 pm February 4, Sunday, 17th Sunday of Luke - Sunday of the Prodigal Son !!Orthros 8:30 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. February 5, Monday Evening: Great Vespers, Feast of St. Photios 5:00 pm February 6, Tuesday. Feast of St. Photios Patriarch of Constantinople !!Orthros 9:00 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am February 9, Friday, Great Vespers for 1st Saturday of the Souls, 6:00 pm February 10, Saturday, Feast of St. Haralambos and 1st Saturday of the Souls !!Orthros 8:45 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am !!Saturday Evening: Great Vespers, 5:00 pm February 11, Sunday, Sunday of the Last Judgement - Meat-fare Sunday. Kuriakhv th'" ∆Apovkrew≥ !!Orthros 8:30 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am !!Evening: Great Vespers for St. Christos the Gardener the Neomartyr (+1748) February 12, Monday, Feast of St. Christos the Gardener the Neomartyr (+1748) !!Orthros 9:00 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am February 16, Friday, Great Vespers for 2nd Saturday of the Souls 6:00 pm February 17, Saturday of the Souls, Memory of all who shone forth in ascesis. !!Orthros 8:45 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am !!Evening: Great Vespers 5:00 pm February 18, Sunday, Cheese-Fare Sunday. Kuriakhv th'" Turinh'" (Turofavgou). !!Orthros 8:30 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am !!Evening: Vespers of Forgiveness, 5:00 pm February 19, Clean Monday, Beginning of Great Lent. Great Compline, 6:00 pm Kaqarav Deutevra. ∆Archv M. Tessarakosth'". Mevga ∆Apovdeipno, 6Ú00 mm February 21, Wednesday, !Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 5:45 pm !A Lenten Dinner will be offered at 7:00 pm followed by a Presentation and Discussion. February 22, Thursday, Great Compline 6:00 pm February 23, Friday, First Salutation to the Theotokos 7:00 pm. Prw'toi Cairetismoiv, 7Ú00 mm February 24, 3rd Saturday of the Souls, Divine Liturgy. Miracle of St. Theodore with the Kollyva !!Orthros 9:00 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. !!Saturday Evening: Great Vespers 5:00 pm February 25, First Sunday of Great Lent. Sunday of Orthodoxy. Kuriakhv th'" ∆Orqodoxiva". !Orthros 8:30 am and Divine Liturgy 10:00 am. At the end of the Divine Liturgy we will have the procession of the Holy Icons. ! Evening: Pan-Orthodox Vespers at the Cathedral in Atlanta, 6:00 pm February 26, Monday, Great Compline 6:00 pm February 28, Wednesday, Feast of St. Cassian, Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 5:45 pm !A Lenten Dinner will be offered at 7:00 pm followed by a Presentation and Discussion. The Great Compline will be offered on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00 pm.

A Lenten Meditation

!“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” With these words our Lord began His earthly ministry, in order to show how important this act of repentance is for the person who is looking for a higher meaning in his life. Repentance means cleansing of one's self from all evil thoughts, desires and habits. Repentance means reconciliation with one's brother and sister. It means sitting down and honestly examining one's self critically; it means a complete change of mind and life (metavnoia). !But one could still ask: “Why do I have to do all this?”: Because there is only one higher meaning in life. One that goes beyond the beauty of art, the ecstasy of music, the joy of intellectual achievement. It goes beyond earthly power or human honor. It transcends the desire for a happy family life and a respectful social status. It reaches high into the heavens and touches God. There is no meaning to life if this life is not infiltrated by the presence of the power, the joy, the strength and above all the love generated from the source of all life, God Himself. !You may ask: “How can I have that?”: Cleanse yourself! Repent! Change your life! Recommit yourself - your whole being - to God daily. Ask Him to unite Himself to you. Call out to Him, cry out with all your heart asking for His Holy Spirit to come and dwell in you. Then, you will grasp the fullness of life, not just the meaning of it. THEOPHANY OR EPIPHANY THE FEAST OF LIGHTS (TA PHOTA)

WATERS. TODAY HE WILL BLESS THE WATER SO THAT, IN THE WORDS OF THE PRAYER:

"THOSE WHO POUR AND PARTAKE THEREOF (OF THE HOLY WATER) MAY RECEIVE IT FOR THE CLEANSING OF SOULS AND BODIES, FOR THE HEALING OF SUFFERING, FOR SANCTIFICATION OF HOMES AND FOR EVERY NEED." ON JANUARY 6, WE CELEBRATE THE GREAT FEAST OF THEOPHANY OR EPIPHANY, ONE OF !WHEN LEAVING THE CHURCH WE SHALL THE MAJOR HOLY DAYS OF THE ORTHODOX ALL TAKE A BOTTLE OF THIS HOLY WATER CHURCH. IT WAS ON THIS DAY THAT CHRIST WITH US TO BLESS OURSELVES AND OUR APPEARED BEFORE JOHN THE BAPTIST AT THE HOMES. IN SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, RIVER JORDAN AND ASKED TO BE BAPTIZED BY BISHOPS THROW A CROSS INTO THE SEA, OR A JOHN. DURING HIS BAPTISM THE HEAVENS RIVER, TO BE RETRIEVED BY A SWIMMER. IN OPENED AND GOD WAS REVEALED AS TRINITY. THIS WAY THEY BLESS THE WATERS, PRAYING THEOPHANY MEANS THE APPEARANCE OF FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL THROUGH THEM TO GOD. SIMILARLY, EPIPHANY MEANS THE BE PROTECTED. APPEARANCE. THIS FEAST IS ALSO CALLED THE FEAST OF LIGHTS BECAUSE THE DIVINE LIGHT !CHILDREN SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO SHINES INTO THE WORLD WITH THE COMING KEEP A SMALL BOTTLE OF HOLY WATER AND OF THE LORD. PLACE IT NEXT TO THEIR ICON AND USE IT THE YEAR ROUND. THEY CAN PARTAKE OF THE !A FEW DAYS AGO (CHRISTMAS) WE SAW HOLY WATER WITH A SPOON IN THE MORNING CHRIST AS A NEW BORN BABE. TODAY BEFORE THEY EAT AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR (THEOPHANY) WE SEE HIM A FULL GROWN MAN WHEN THEY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE A SPECIAL OF 30 BEGINNING HIS MINISTRY AMONG THE NEED FOR THE LORD'S PRESENCE IN THEIR PEOPLE. GOD WHO SHONE FORTH FROM THE LIVES. THUS, THEY WILL KEEP EPIPHANY THE VIRGIN SHINES TO DAY FORTH INTO THE YEAR ROUND. WORLD TO BEGIN HIS MINISTRY. !THIS FEAST IS REMEMBERED BY SOME OF !TODAY THE SMALL ENTRANCE OF THE THE WESTERN CHRISTIANS AS THE VISITATION DIVINE LITURGY IS EXPANDED INTO A FULL OF THE MAGI. THIS WAS PROBABLY THE CELEBRATION. IN THE PROCESSION OF COMING EMPHASIS GIVEN TO THE DAY IN THE FORTH FROM THE HOLY ALTAR CARRYING THE WESTERN CHURCH FROM EARLIER TIMES. GOSPEL ALOFT, THE PRIEST REPRESENTS CHRIST COMING FORTH INTO THE WORLD TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO ALL PEOPLE. THE SMALL ENTRANCE OF THE DIVINE LITURGY IS IN REALITY A SMALL EPIPHANY OF THE LORD.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE LITURGY ON THEOPHANY THE PRIEST WILL PERFORM THE SPECIAL SERVICE OF THE BLESSING OF THE Feast of the Three Hierarchs January 30

Feast of the Three Hierarchs - Celebration of Hellenic Learning

In 11th century Constantinople every conversation turned to the same controversy: Which of the three 4th-century saints was the greatest in the Orthodox church? Was it St. Basil the Great, the beloved spiritual leader who created orphanages and hospitals and left a legacy of great spiritual and theological writings in the finest form of the Greek language? Was it St. Gregory the Theologian, whose leadership kept the church together during a time of theological crisis and also contributed beautiful works of poetry and prose to the literary corpus of Hellenic learning? Or was is St. John Chrysostom, the wonderful speaker who had "a mouth of gold" and left behind a great legacy of writings in the Hellenic tongue which parallel the great philosophers and rhetoricians of classical times? In 1081, Bishop John of Galatia had a vision in which the three saints appeared to him telling him that they were equal in the eyes of God. The church set aside a day to commemorate their equality. Since then, Hellenes around the world have celebrated this day as the holiday of the Three Hierarchs, honoring the contribution of the three great saints to Orthodoxy and Hellenic Learning.

Celebration of the Three Hierarchs and Hellenic Learning at Holy Transfiguration

Lecture to be announced Presenter to be announced

Theme: "The Value of Hellenic Learning in Contemporary America."

Place: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church

Time: Sunday, January 28, 2018 immediately following the Divine Liturgy at 12:00 pm in the Parish Hall

Luncheon offered by AHEPA in co-operation with Hellenic Studies

All proceeds to support the AHEPA Scholarship Fund

Please secure your tickets by calling the church office Home Blessings

Home Blessing Form Name: !! ! ! ! ! ! ZIP Code: !! ! ! ! ! ! Phone Number: !! ! ! ! ! Availability: please write an “X” below to indicate the times when you are generally not available, or use a checkmark (√) to indicate when you generally are available.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Morning X

Afternoon

Evening

Please send this completed form (or a copy of it) to the parish office as soon as possible. We will be in touch with you to schedule home blessings, which will begin on January 6th. The Orthodox Church has preserved the original Apostolic Faith pure and unblemished. The Orthodox Church did not experience a reformation or counter reformation because the Faith was kept untouched by time and people. That does not mean all Orthodox people are always perfect, but that the Faith has remained perfect. If the Orthodox Church in America is to succeed in its primary mission to bring the Gospel of Salvation and Sanctification to the world--we must continually return to the core Faith, to the prime theological teachings of the divinity of Christ and the salvation offered through Him. We also need to establish our own schools where we will cultivate in our children the Orthodox Christian principles of life as the early Christians did. We cannot shape souls effectively unless we undertake a serious effort of immersion of our people from a young age in the Faith and Orthodox way of life. A serious Christian education is the way to do that. An Orthodox Christian education in particular is the only way to counter the intellectual onslaught of the secular society upon the minds of our people. For years, as immigrants (Greeks, Russians, Serbs and others), we sought to establish ourselves as a respectable minority in America. We have succeeded and surpassed most other minorities. We now stand at a crossroads: we either continue to seek further political and societal acceptance through the use of the wealth God has given us, or we turn our focus to the greatest treasure we have, the ORTHODOX FAITH, and find ways to effectively share it with those around us. We can either use our wealth to further impress the secular world with our successes so that we can continue to gain their respect and recognition, or we can seek ways to present the treasure of ancient Christianity that has been handed down to us by creating opportunities for theological education for those around us, especially those who are looking for authentic Christian teaching. Do we become anchored citizens of this world through our secular successes, or do we cultivate our citizenship in heaven through a witness of authentic Christian life? This is a critical moment in the life of our Parish, as well. We have established ourselves by the grace of God as a respectable "faith group" in this corner of the earth. People are now ready to listen to us if we do have a serious message to offer. But we need to first understand what this message really is and make it an integral part of our own lives. As a group of people who claim to be followers of Christ, we need to begin living according to His teaching. People around us have to recognize us from our love for each other and our good works. We need to make a mark in the local community as both philanthropists as well as lovers of God. Then we will be able to make a difference in American Society, not through monetary wealth, but rather through the Wealth of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions that we have inherited. Let's become Ambassadors of Orthodox Christianity, the Ancient Faith, the Faith of the Apostles! The Mission Statement of our Parish Our Parish is the local eucharistic community of the Church in this locality; The aims and purposes of our Parish are to keep, practice and proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith pure and undefiled. The diakonia (ministry) of the Parish includes proclaiming and teaching the Gospel in accordance with the Orthodox Faith; sanctifying the faithful through God's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the other sacraments; enhancing its parishioners' spiritual life; and adding to the numbers of the faithful by receiving persons into the Church through instruction, Baptism and/or Chrismation. In addition, the Parish has established educational and philanthropic activities to foster the aims and mission of the Parish and to edify its parishioners in the Faith and ethos of the Church. The ultimate goal of our Parish is to lead its members into the Kingdom of God.

See UNIFORM PARISH REGULATIONS. CHAPTER ONE, ARTICLE 15

The Practice of "Confession" In the Bible Old Testament "He shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong." Num. 5:7 "Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the guilt of their fathers. While they stood in their places, they read from the book of the law of the LORD their God for a fourth of the day and spent another fourth of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God." Nehemiah 9:2-3 New Testament "Confessing their sins, they were baptized by John in the Jordan River." Matthew 3:6 "And there went out unto John all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins." Mark 1:5 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16 "Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices." Acts 19:18 "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 DAILY BIBLE READINGS - JANUARY

1/01/2018 Monday: John 10:1-9 Colossians 2:8-12 Luke 2:20-21, 40-52

1/02/2018 Tuesday: Hebrews 5:4-10 John 3:1-15

1/03/2018 Wednesday: I Timothy 3:13-16;4:1-5 Matthew 3:1-6

1/04/2018 Thursday: I Corinthians 4:9-16 John 1:18-28

1/05/2018 Friday: I Corinthians 9:19-27 Luke 3:1-18

1/06/2018 Saturday: Mark 1:9-11 Titus 2:11-14;3:4-7 Matthew 3:13-17

1/07/2018 Sunday: John 21:1-14 Ephesians 4:7-13 Matthew 4:12-17

1/08/2018 Monday: Romans 6:3-11 John 3:22-33

1/09/2018 Tuesday: II Timothy 2:1-10 Mark 1:9-15

1/10/2018 Wednesday: Ephesians 4:7-13 Luke 3:19-22

1/11/2018 Thursday: Luke 6:17-23 Hebrews 13:7-16 Luke 4:1-15

1/12/2018 Friday: Acts 18:22-28 John 10:39-42

1/13/2018 Saturday: Ephesians 6:10-17 Matthew 4:1-11

1/14/2018 Sunday: John 21:1-14 Ephesians 4:7-13 Matthew 4:12-17

1/15/2018 Monday: Galatians 5:22-26;6:1-2 Luke 12:32-40

1/16/2018 Tuesday: Acts 12:1-11 John 21:14-25

1/17/2018 Wednesday: Matthew 11:27-30 Hebrews 13:17-21 Luke 6:17-23

1/18/2018 Thursday: John 10:1-9 Hebrews 13:7-16 Luke 6:17-23

1/19/2018 Friday: Galatians 5:22-26;6:1-2 Matthew 22:35-46

1/20/2018 Saturday: II Corinthians 4:6-15 Luke 6:17-23

1/21/2018 Sunday: John 21:14-25 I Timothy 4:9-15 Luke 19:1-10

1/22/2018 Monday: II Timothy 1:3-8 Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38; 19:27-30

1/23/2018 Tuesday: Philippians 3:20-21; 4:1-3 Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-5

1/24/2018 Wednesday: Galatians 5:22-26;6:1-2 Mark 12:28-37

1/25/2018 Thursday: Hebrews 7:26-28;8:1-2 John 10:9-16

1/26/2018 Friday: II Peter 1:1-10 Mark 13:1-8

1/27/2018 Saturday: John 10:1-9 Hebrews 7:26-28;8:1-2 John 10:9-16

1/28/2018 Sunday: Matthew 28:16-20 II Timothy 3:10-15 Luke 18:10-14

1/29/2018 Monday: Hebrews 10:32-38 Mark 9:33-41

1/30/2018 Tuesday: John 10:9-16 Hebrews 13:7-16 Matthew 5:14-19

1/31/2018 Wednesday: I Corinthians 12:27-31;13:1-8 Matthew: 10:1, 5-8 STEWARDSHIP 2018

At Holy Transfiguration, we are truly thankful for each and every member who has chosen to be a part of the Holy Transfiguration family. Every individual is a vital part of our Parish. As we look back on 2017, we offer all of you, our deepest appreciation for the time, talent and treasure you have so generously given to the work of our Parish and to Christ’s Church.

With 2017 coming to a close, and the Christmas season and 2018 upon us, please give consideration to your Stewardship offering in the New Year.

In order to enable the Parish Council and the Parish Ministries to plan for the coming year, please take a few minutes to review and complete the 2018 Stewardship Form. (Stewardship Forms were handed out the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and they are also being mailed to your home. You can also pick one up at the Parish office or in the Narthex.)

Please return your completed Stewardship Form by any of the following methods; by mail to the Parish office, by bringing it to the Parish office, by giving it to any Parish Council member, or by placing it in the tray on Sunday.

Father Panayiotis will be blessing the completed Stewardship Forms in Church on Sunday, December 17th, 2017. In this season of joy and good will as we approach Christmas, this is a perfect time to give back to the Church from the many blessings God has bestowed upon us.

Your Stewardship commitment ensures the success of the programs undertaken for the spiritual needs of the families entrusted to our care, it provides the foundation of our Parish Ministries, and it supports our efforts in spreading Christ’s word through our Orthodox faith.

Stewardship is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values, to express our thankfulness, to give of ourselves and to grow in grace. It allows us to participate in the work of God. Giving is not a substitute for commitment - it is an expression of our commitment. May the grace of our Lord bless you and your loved ones to experience the joy of Christ’s birth through the joy of giving.

Once again, thank you for giving of your time, talent and treasure in 2017, and thank you for giving careful consideration to your Stewardship commitment for 2018.

Stewardship Prayer

Oh Lord, giver of life and source of our freedom, we are reminded that Yours is “the earth in its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.” We know that it is from your hand that we have received all we have and are and will be. Gracious and loving God, we understand that you call us to be the stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. Help us always to use your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Christ in our lives. We pray this with grateful hearts in Jesus’ name. Amen. STEWARDSHIP 2018 (continued) A Message of Thanks

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all those who so generously shared their time and talents with us during our recent 2018 Stewardship Drive and Stewardship Luncheon:

• Those who spoke from their hearts about Stewardship in the Sanctuary.... • Those who decorated our Parish Hall so beautifully for the Luncheon.... • Those who prepared the delicious Lenten meal..... • Those who served the meal and set up the drinks and coffee.... • Those who brought such wonderful Lenten deserts.... • Those who cleaned up after all of us enjoyed the Luncheon....

The above is just an attempt to mention the many wonderful contributions of time and talent by dedicated individuals … the help and support goes beyond the list above, and a heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you. Thank you! COMMITMENT OF TIME AND TALENT Gather My People to My Home NAME(S): ______

(For couples: please indicate "H" for husband and "W" for wife.) MEMBERSHIP/STEWARDSHIP PLEDGES ___ann u a l f e s t i v a l ___facility ma i ntenance ___assist with Altar Boys ___assist in office ___Chanter ___assist promoting events/ activities FOR 2018 ___Choi r ___assist in booksto re ___play organ/piano ___assist in library THANK YOU TO THE FAITHFUL STEWARDS WHO HAVE ___greet during church services ___assist with web site ___prepare Prosforon ___coordinate activities/events SUBMITTED PLEDGE CARDS FOR 2018! ___make/repair robes ___set-up for events ___teach/assist Catechism School ___serve food for events ___teach/assist Hellenic Studies ___cook for events ___assist with Summer Camp ___assist prep ar ing food (If you have not yet returned your pledge card for 2018, please ___teach/assist Hellenic Dance ___decorate for events ___teach Greek cooking ___clean-up after events do so; your personal commitment of time, talent and treasure ___make/repair co stumes ___drive van is so important, and so appreciated.) ___HOPE leader ___assist with stewardship ___JOY leader ___assist with parish finances ___GOYA lead er ___assist with parish planning ___assist with monthly family night ___assist with developing new facilities Mr.Enabling & Mrs. our hearts Jeffrey to be enco Albertsuraged, being knit togetherMr. & Mrs. George Haritatos Mr. & Mrs. Francesco Quinterno ___assist with coffee af ter church ___volunteer time ifin love,contacted and attaining to all riches through the ___assist Soup Kitchen ___join young adultMr. group Panayiotis Antoniades Mr. Patrick Hartnett Mr. & Mrs. Randy Rogers _ __visit s hut-in s ___join Prime Timersunderstanding of the mystery of God. ___help shut-ins ___join PhiloptochosMs. Toula Argentis Col. 2:2 Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hendrix Mr. & Mrs. Tim Rury ___drive others to church ___join married co uples group ___join AHEPA ___join adult singlesMr. group & Mrs. Athanasios Bafas Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Herbert Mr. & Mrs. Ted Sampanes ___phone calling committee ___hospitality to newcomers ___host neig hborhood gatherings ___computer assistance Ms. Eleni Bafas Mr. John Horton Mr. & Mrs. Gheorghe Schipor ___contact less active parishioners ___welcome newcomers/visitors Mr. & Mrs. Nick Bakatsas Mr. & Mrs. Brian Jansma Mrs. Andigone Seraphim ___usher during ch urch services ___monitor during hall rentals ___assist others needing transportation ___clean facilities Mr. & Mrs. Trey Bane Mr. & Mrs. Andy Johansen Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Simpson

Mr.Holy & Mrs. Transfiguration Grigoriy Greek Barsky Orthodox Church Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Kapsalis Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Skarpelis Other Talents: ______Mr. & Mrs. 2010Nathaniel Stewardship Bell Pledge Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Klementzos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Sklikas ______Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bethune Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Kollias Mr. & Mrs. Alton Sotir-Simms Mrs. Evelyn Bilson Mr. & Mrs. Zack Kollias Mr. & Mrs. Peter Spanos Mr. & Mrs. Ken Bilson Mrs. Athena Kontrafouris Mr. & Mrs. Ron Sprouse Ms. Miranda Black Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Kostulakos Mr. & Mrs. Steve Steffas Mr. & Mrs. Mark Blalock Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Koutouzis Mrs. Mary Stiakakis Mr. & Mrs. Tony Blasetti Ms. Christine Lavey Mr. & Mrs. Michael Strakes Mr. & Mrs. Bob Botni Ms. Anna Lerios Mrs. Connie Stratigos Mr. & Mrs. Francis Bourgeois Mr. & Mrs. David Linebaugh Mr. & Mrs. Zacharias Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bridgers Mr. & Mrs. George Lopos Taoushiani Ms. Anne Bruno Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Mr. & Mrs. Tim Tassopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Kerry Buchan Lymberopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Tiller, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bundros Dr. & Mrs. Bobby Macris Mr. Steve Tingas Mr. & Mrs. Jim Burke Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Maniatis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Bylos Mr. Bobis Markatos Mr. George Tzortzinakis Ms. Naomi Cardoso Mr. & Mrs. Paul Markley Mr. Gregory Vassilious Ms. Maria Ceisel Mrs. Xanthippe Marsico Mr. & Mrs. Luigi Vattelana Mr. & Mrs. Grigorios Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mayk Mr. & Mrs. Danny Vlahiotis Chryssopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Francis McAteer Mr. & Mrs.Richard Xanthakis Mr. Charles Coleman Dr. & Mrs. Adamantios Mellis Ms. Elefteria (Rita) Young Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Comsudes Ms. Ioanna Michaels Mr. & Mrs. Matt Zakreski Mrs. Cherie Cookorinis-O’Connell Mr. & Mrs. Alex Miltiades Mr. & Mrs. Marco Zavala Ms. Cathy Costarides Mr. & Mrs. Charles Miltiades Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Davis Ms. Patricia Morris TOTAL: 123 Ms. Judith Davis Mr. & Mrs. John Moustoukas Mr. & Mrs. John Doulgerakis Mr. & Mrs. Jim Niarchos Mrs. Marty Driscoll Mr. Iancu Nica Mr. & Mrs. Cedric Dunkerly Mr. & Mrs. Costa Neocleous Ms. Diana Dusa Mr. & Mrs. Michael O’Brien Mr. & Mrs. John Dymond Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Opdyke Mr. & Mrs. George Franji Mr. & Mrs. Dean Pallas Mr. & Mrs. Jason Frazier Fr. & Mrs. George Pallas Mr. & Mrs. Joe Gavalas Mr. Tasi Pallas Mr. Philip George Mr. & Mrs. Konstantine Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Papadimitriou Georgacopoulos Fr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Papageorgiou Mr. & Mrs. Larry Gess Mr. & Mrs. Jon Papastrat Ms. Stephanie Gianaris Mr. & Mrs. Casey Pater Ms. Martha Gingles Mr. & Mrs. John Peppas Mr. & Mrs. Ted Gormanos Mr. & Mrs. Todd Poradzisz Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Hansard Mr. & Mrs. Tony Porter ANNOUNCEMENTS

We have wonderful prosforo bakers in our parish...if you would like to learn how to make the bread or you would like to join our bakers list, please contact Anne in the office - [email protected].

~~~ Save the Date ~~~ You are cordially invited to attend the annual Apokriatiko Glendi Pre-Lent Community Dinner/Dance Saturday, February 10th at 6:30 pm Details to follow soon…stay tuned!!

AHEPA Marietta Chapter #519 News & Notes—January 2018 "As Iron Sharpens Iron, One Man Sharpens Another" (Proverbs 27:17)

AHEPA wishes to thank all the parishioners who were so generous in their support of the Annual Toys for Tots campaign in 2017. We had our most successful campaign ever with 125 toys collected! Thank You!

Stocks and Securities Donations Dear Parishioners,

Did you know that you can donate stocks and other securities to our Church? These donations can count towards Stewardship and Building Fund/Capital Campaign pledges. Like most donations to the Church, they might be tax deductible*. If you are interested in donating stocks or securities, please reach out to Anne in the church office for instructions.

Thank you, Danny Vlahiotis, Treasurer

*Please discuss with a qualified tax professional if your donation will qualify as a tax deduction. AROUND THE PARISH What a great picture of our college students, home for the holidays, visiting the high school catechism class. They know that they are always welcome!!

Did you know? Our AHEPANs adopted Trickum Road and meet on Saturdays throughout the year to handle clean up duties as part of their public service mission. Way to go, guys! Pictured: Jim Burke, Zack Kollias, Keath Paxton, Ron Sprouse, Paul Markley...and George Lopos, who was also part of the group, took the picture. Our College Students' 2017 Christmas Gathering

It has become a tradition that our college students get together every year before Christmas as they return home from their studies. It gives us a chance to meet and re- connect, but also an opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other. This year it was no exception. We enjoyed each other's company and also talked about what we are studying and how different life on campus is when compared to our more protected life in the parish as we were growing up.

We also had a chance to talk with Fr. Panayiotis and hear from him. He spoke about the societal trends and the dangers of floating along without any resistance. He asked us to refer back to the values of our Orthodox Faith and our families and what we were given as points of reference while we attended Holy Transfiguration and participated in the various ministries and activities. He also emphasized that the tools and values we received will help us succeed in our lives if we keep referring back to those. God will help us if we honor Him with our lives and stay connected to Him.

Someone asked Abba Anthony, ‘What must one do in order to please God?’ The old man replied, ‘Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved.’ From the Sayings of the Desert Fathers The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth. John F. Kennedy The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education. Martin Luther King, Jr. Winter Youth Rally 2017

Starting with Prayer

Playing fair.

Giving it our best! A Big Thank you to everyone who donated their time and efforts or to those of you who made a donation of either money or food to our food pantry in 2017! November was our busiest month yet with our successful and heartwarming First Annual Thanksgiving Day Luncheon! Because of YOU the food pantry is making a difference in our community by helping families who due to health or job circumstances are facing hard times. We will be having a REVERSE PANTRY OFFERING in January. On Sunday, January 14, a tray will be passed with cards that will list grocery items needed for our FOOD PANTRY. These items will be due on Sunday, January 28, or Sunday, February 4. More to come in the next few weeks. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Isabelle Dymond, cell: 404-502-8343 DISTRIBUTION DATES FOR 2018 January 22 February 19 March 19 April 02 May 21 June 18

5:30 ~ 7:00 pm

The next meeting of the Caregivers Support Ministry is scheduled for Saturday, January 20th at 3:00pm. We will meet at the brick house (old church offices) in the upper level. Our topic for this meeting will be STRESS and how it effects us emotionally and physically. Why it is important to find a good balance in our daily lives.

Questions? Call Isabelle Dymond, cell: 404-502-8343 HELLENIC DANCE NEWS

Hellenic Dance Festival Congratulations to all dancers who are participating in Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) this year! Marietta is taking a record 3 teams to Orlando: Middle School “Phoenix”, High school “Eleftheria”, and our young Adult group “Metamorphosi.” They leave for Orlando on Friday, January 12th and returned on the 15th. Each group will perform two festival size sets in front of Greek Folk Dance Experts and Judges and compete alongside a record 54 GROUPS from across the Metropolis of Atlanta! They will represent the Marietta parish with class and dignity. Thank you to the instructors who took so much time out of their schedules to teach and organize these groups; you are all amazing; Elaine Bilson, Ted Gormanos, Paulina Vastakis, Alexandra Matthews, and Mike Steffas. Bravo Paidia, Kai tou Chronou!

PRACTICES FOR THE 2018 GREEK FESTIVAL BEGINS THIS MONTH!!! WE WILL KICK OFF SUNDAY JANUARY 21st

EVERY SUNDAY:

Pre-K “Pitsirikia” taught by Alex Matthews, Tina Johansen and Tasia Kipreos will meet in the Pre-K Sunday school room from 12:30 to 1:00 pm. Kindergarten and 1st grade “Palamakia” taught by Eleni Bafas and Mike Steffas will meet in the Kindergarten Sunday School room from 12:30-1:00 pm. 2nd and 3rd grade “Asteria” taught by Peggy Dunkerly and Karen Fox will meet in the 2nd grade Sunday school room from 1:00-1:45 pm. 4th and 5th grade “Petaloudes” taught by Maria Linebaugh and Mike Steffas will meet in the downstairs Atrium from 1:00-1:45 pm. 6th-8th grades “Phoenix” taught by Elaine Bilson and Ted Gormanos will meet in the PLC from 1:30-2:30 pm. High School 9th-12th grades “Eleftheria” taught by Paulina Vastakis and Demetra Lilly will meet in the gym (until it warms up) from 1:30-3:30 pm. You must begin practicing by Feb 4th to be counted as a dancer for the festival and guaranteed a costume for the festival!!! If your child has a prior commitment and can not start by FEBRUARY 4th, please contact the instructor of their group or Paulina Vastakis to arrange make-up practices. THANKS!

Ellinomatheia Lessons for the Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language

Hellenic Studies of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Road Marietta, GA, 30066 Tel: 770-924-8080 Fax: 770-924-3030 Email: [email protected]

-924H

• Students who obtain the Ellinomatheia Certification are recognized worldwide for their Greek language qualifications, which can be used to study in universities in Greece, Europe and the United States. • The official institution authorized by the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs to conduct the exams is the Center for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki, which works in cooperation with the Aristotle University. • The examination for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek is held once per year in mid-May, in 165 examination centers worldwide.

The examination center in Atlanta is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation 2500 Clairmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 (404)633-5870 (www.atlcoc.org)

Group classes are limited to 8 students and offered on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00 pm

For any questions, please email us at: [email protected] OR [email protected] Instructor: Georgia Loupeti (Classics/Greek Literature - National and Kapodistian University of Athens)

November Philoptochos Newsletter

Philoptochos ended the 2017 year with its annual pot luck Christmas party/General meeting. The members voted to send the profits from St. Nicholas market to a Greek Orthodox priest and his family to help them recover some of the losses from the Florida hurricanes. We ended the fun evening with Christmas Carols and hymns led by Anne Willcocks!

During the month of December, Philoptochos had set up an angel tree in the atrium to help a Greek Orthodox priest, his wife and 4 children who suffered considerable losses in the Florida hurricanes. The angels listed furniture and clothing for the 3 boys and the girl. The first check to Father and his family was mailed mid December. The angel tree had $925 donations, Philoptochos members donated gift cards worth $435 and early profits of $625 received from St. Nicholas market totaled $1985. A second donation will be sent at the end of December, when the project is completed. Thank you to all who supported this family.

In 2017, Holy Transfiguration participated for one day in a house build for the NW Metro Habitat for Humanity. The funds were supported by the Marietta Greek Festival, Philoptochos and BrandMortgage. Almost 30 members participated in some way to the “build”. A dedication ceremony for the finished home was held on Saturday, Dec. 2. Father Paul, along with three priests participated in the ceremony. The new homeowners were presented with Bibles, a hammer, and the “key” to their new home. Every sponsor presented each homeowner with a housewarming gift. Pat Koutouzis, president of Philoptochos, gave each family an icon of Holy Transfiguration and a Philoptochos cookbook. All sponsors were recognized with a plaque of the completed house. Father Paul ended the emotional event with a house blessing accompanied by the family.

Philoptochos will begin the new year with a Mimosa Membership Luncheon on Sunday, January 14, following the Divine Liturgy. All are invited to renew their membership for 2018. If you haven’t joined in the past, please come to the luncheon and find out about Philoptochos. We will have a speaker from LiveSAFE in Marietta and discuss projects and activities for the new year. Come for food, fun and fellowship! Please see attached flyer and 2018 membership form. If you are unable to attend the luncheon, please complete the new membership form and return it to the church office or the Philoptochos table in the PLC.

On January 7, we will have our traditional Vasilopita. A second tray will be passed for donations to St. Basil’s Academy.

A thank you to bakers Evelyn Bilson, Paula Christopher, and Ioanna Michaels for making koulourakia for the Christmas Eve reception, and Paula Christopher, who baked a Lenten cake for Father Paul’s birthday in December!

In November, Peggy Dunkerly and Karen Fox led an Adult Greek Dance Class. Those who attended had so much fun, that Peggy and Karen have agreed to teach another class on Wednesday, January 17. They were taking requests for new dances that participants wanted to learn. This is your opportunity to practice the dances you might already know and learn new ones!

The first soup kitchen for 2018 will be Thursday, January 25 at MUST Ministry. If you would like to contribute, cook or serve, please contact Athena Burke at [email protected] . Mimosas Membership Luncheon Start the New Year by Renewing your Philoptochos Membership for 2018! Sunday, January 14, 2018 Atrium; 12:30

Quiche Lorraine, Fresh Fruit, Muffins, Dessert & Mimosas

Not a Member? Not a problem! Come learn about us and join! Speaker: LiveSAFE Resources, organization that helps reduce domestic violence and elderly abuse General meeting: Discuss plans for 2018 programs and events

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Panagia Chapter #5070 2018 Membership Form Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Road,, Marietta 30066-4660 Tel. 770-924-8080 Fax. 770-924-3030

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY/STATE/ZIP:

HOME PHONE: CELL PHONE:

EMAIL:

In gratitude for God’s blessings, I pledge the following for Christ’s work as a Philoptochos member. My donation will be allocated to Local, Metropolis, and National Philoptochos as follows:

1. Panagia Chapter (Local Philoptochos Stewardship)

PLEASE CIRCLE: $10 $15 $20 OTHER______$______LOCAL CHAPTER

2. National donation per member: $15.00 NATIONAL

3. Metropolis donation per member: $ 10.00 METROPOLIS

My total Philoptochos donation (total all three lines): *tax deductible (501c3) $______TOTAL

I would like to offer MY TALENTS to assist the following Philoptochos efforts (PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):

Soup Kitchen: 4th Thurs. each month (Please circle) Godparents Luncheon (Please circle) Prepare food / Donate / Serve at MUST ministries Co-chair food prep set-up clean-up Visit homebound Easter Egg Dyeing

Prepare meals for sick Prepare the Epitaphion for Holy Friday

Help with Makaria (prepare and serve meal in PLC Provide Desserts for Parish Events

Baking (Please circle) Fall Fundraiser (Please circle) Koulouria Paximadia Vasilopita Co-chair serve on committee Calling Committee (Call members for meetings) Provide snacks/beverages for general meetings

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

Happy New Year to all our parishioners and especially our seniors. Have you made your New Year's resolutions? Let's make it a great productive year. Our first general meeting will be held January 13, 11:30 in the Parish Hall. Please join us with ideas that what would be of interest to you this year. We are planning to have movie nights and will have on display a few movies that you might like to see.

Your Prime Timers board has served for 5 years and is going into its 6th year. Hopefully, this will be our last year so let's make it the best year yet! Please join us; dues are $15.

On February 3, we are having a Valentine Party. More information to follow, so please mark your calendars. We plan to play bunco, a fun game with prizes, and it is easy to learn.

Looking back on the last 2 months, November and December, it warms one's heart to see the support that each ministry has for each other. Fundraisers, get togethers, luncheons, silent auctions, coffee hours were attended and supported by members from all the ministries. It is a good feeling to belong and enjoy each other no matter what ministry is yours.

We have so much for which to be thankful. There is so much love and respect in our church. We, as seniors, hope to see this continue in 2018 and many years afterward. Come join our group; we may be old, but we are all young at heart.

2018 is our year; join and see.

In the Lord's name,

Connie Stratigos, President

PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY Led by Reverend Father Panayiotis Papageorgiou of Holy Transfiguration Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, GA May 28-June 7, 2018: 11 Days / 9 Nights

Rome, Pompeii. Assisi, Florence, Ravenna & Venice Take a journey through the most important sites Italy. Arrive in the ancient city of Rome. Our visit to the Eternal city includes the Vatican, St Peter’s Basilica, St. John in Lateran Cathedral and the Holy Stairs, San Peter in Chains, Santa Maria Maggiore and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, the Colosseum, Roman Forums and the St. Priscilla Catacombs. Enjoy a day trip to the ancient buried city of Pompeii, covered in ash after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Continue to Florence with a stop in the city of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy’s patron saints and visit the Basilica of San Francesco where the saint is buried and the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli. Arrive in Florence with its magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ghiberti Paradise Doors and Giotto Bell Tower. Visit the Chapel of the Magi in Palazzo Medici Riccardi. See Michelangelo’s famous statue David and the Uffizi Gallery as well as the Churches of St. Lorenzo and Santa Croce. Visit the city of Ravenna which was the capital city of the Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire and see the Battistero Neoniano, San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, Church of San Francesco and the Tomb of Dante. Arrive by motor launch into the romantic city of Venice with its canals and waterways. Visit St George Cathedral at the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Venice, the Greek Orthodox Icon Museum and the Basilica of San Marco and the Pala D’Oro. Rates: Air & Land: Double occupancy, per person: $4495* Single occupancy: $5850* *All rates reflect a 4% check discount which does not apply if payment is made in any other way. *All Air tax/fuel surcharge of $400 are included in the above rate but not guaranteed until ticketing takes place.

SPACE IS LIMITED and on a FIRST COME BASIS Deposit of $500 due by January 12, 2018 or late booking fee of $700 per person will apply!

TOUR INCLUDES: *International air ATL/ROM & VCE/ATL on Delta Airlines. *First class hotel accommodations with 4 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Florence and 2 nights in Venice *Private roundtrip motor launch transfers in Venice *All hotel taxes, service fees and daily breakfast and three dinners *Private arrival transfers in Rome via deluxe air conditioned motorcoach *English speaking escort and headsets throughout *Private sightseeing with a deluxe air conditioned motor coach, entrance fees and English Speaking licensed tour guide as follows: Rome 2 ½ days, Pompeii: ½ day, Assisi: 2 hours. Florence 2 full days, Ravenna ½ day and Venice:1 full day

Cloud Tours Inc. 31-09 Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY 11102 Tel: 718-721-3808 Toll Free 800-223-7880 Fax: 718-795-4356 Email: [email protected]

Transfiguration Gardens Orthodox Cemetery at Green Lawn Cemetery, Roswell, GA

Our Parish owns a large selection of burial plots, which we are making available to our parishioners at a price of $3,200.00, which includes one plot and a vault. Our parish is blessed to be able to provide a resting place for our people - a place where you can have an upright headstone with a cross and the names of the deceased; and where the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on a regular basis and our people will be commemorated for centuries to come.

The family of Betty & Tikie Paulson (Paulson & Jacobs families) has contributed a monument in the center of this Orthodox Cemetery, providing an Altar for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

You may purchase plots through the church office. No-interest financing is available. 6 3 13 20 27 Page 1/1 Page Saturday 8:30 AM Orthros AM 8:30 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 Dance Eleftheria PM 12:00 Practice Music Byzantine PM 4:00 Lesson Vespers Great PM 5:00 Music Byzantine PM 4:00 Lesson Vespers Great PM 5:00 3:00 PM Caregivers Sup- Ministry port Music Byzantine PM 4:00 Lesson Vespers Great PM 5:00 CatechismWork- AM 8:30 shop Music Byzantine PM 4:00 Lesson - Vespers Great PM 5:00 BeginningTriodion the of Music Byzantine PM 4:00 Lesson Vespers Great PM 5:00 H o l y T h e o p h a n y . …t h e F e a s t o f L i g h t s ) . Prime Timers' Event (Tentative) Prime Timers' Event (Tentative) 5 2 12 19 26 Friday 9:30 AM The Great Hours Great The AM 9:30 of Theophany of Vespers Great PM 6:00 Theophany Dance Eleftheria PM 7:00 Practice Orthros AM 9:00 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 Moore- Rental: PM 12:00 (tentative) Reception head Orthros AM 8:45 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 E v e o f t h e T h e o p h a …v i o u r J e s u s C h r i s t Feast of St. Xenophon & his Companions T h e P r e s e n t a t i o n …h r i s t t o t h e T e m p l e 4 1 11 18 25 Thursday 5:00 PM Rental: Linden Rental: PM 5:00 Basketball Col- Practice HDF PM 6:00 lege Group Linden Rental: PM 5:00 Basketball Col- Practice HDF PM 6:00 lege Group Dance Eleftheria PM 7:00 Practice Philoptochos PM 7:00 Meeting Board Orthros AM 9:00 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 Linden Rental: PM 5:00 Basketball Orthros AM 9:00 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 KitchenSoup AM 11:30 (Philoptochos) Book Spiritual PM 5:30 6:30 at today also is Club Vespers- Great PM 6:00 Xenophon St. of Feast Book Philoptochos PM 6:30 Agiasmos—the AM 11:00 Waters Blessingthe of Vespers- Great PM 6:00 of Presentationthe of Feast Lord the F e a s t o f S t s . A t h a n …r c h s o f A l e x a n d r i a Feast of St. Gregory the Theologian 3 10 17 24 31 Wednesday 6:00 PM Eleftheria Dance Dance Eleftheria PM 6:00 Practice Ministry Men's PM 7:00 YouthGroup PM 7:00 (GOYA) Commit-Finance PM 6:30 Meeting tee YouthGroup PM 7:00 (GOYA) Dance Eleftheria PM 8:00 Practice Orthros AM 9:00 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 Vespers- Great PM 6:00 AthanasiosSts. of Feast of Patriarchs Cyril, and Alexandria YouthGroup PM 7:00 (GOYA) Ministry Men's PM 7:00 Vespers- Great PM 6:00 the Gregory St. of Feast Theologian YouthGroup PM 7:00 (GOYA) YouthGroup PM 7:00 (GOYA) Feast of St. Anthony the Great 2 9 16 23 30 Tuesday 10:00 AM Eleftheria Dance Dance Eleftheria AM 10:00 Practice 10:45 AM Kafenion Linden Rental: PM 1:00 Basketball Col- Practice HDF PM 6:00 lege Group EveningPM for Liturgy 6:00 of Seraphim St. of Feast the Orthros AM 9:00 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 10:45 AM Kafenion Studies Hellenic PM 5:30 Col- Practice HDF PM 6:00 lege Group Ministry Men's PM 7:00 Orthodoxy to Intro PM 7:00 Dance Eleftheria PM 7:00 10:45 AM Kafenion Marmi- Les Rental: PM 4:30 Atlanta of tons Studies Hellenic PM 5:30 Vespers- Great PM 6:00 Anthonythe St. of Feast Great 10:45 AM Kafenion Studies Hellenic PM 5:30 6:30 PM PC and HT Acad- Meeting Committee emy Education, PM 7:00 YouthCommitteeCulture, Meeting Ministry Men's PM 7:00 Orthros AM 8:45 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 10:45 AM Kafenion Studies Hellenic PM 5:30 N o C l a s s e s - H e l l e …C h r i s t m a s B r e a k ) Feast of St. Efstratios the Wonderworker F e a s t o f T h e T h r e e …J o h n C h r y s o s t o m 8 1 15 22 29 Monday 8:45 AM Orthros AM 8:45 of Divine Liturgy AM 10:00 Great the Basil St. Eve NewYear's Rental: … Party Young AM Children's 10:00 Playdate Vespers- Great PM 6:00 the Efstratios St. of Feast Wonderworker 6:30 PM Parish Council Meeting Dance Eleftheria PM 7:00 Practice 7:30 PM Coed Volleyball Night Young AM Children's 10:00 Playdate Distribution Pantry PM 5:30 7:30 PM Coed Volleyball Night Young AM Children's 10:00 Playdate 7:30 PM Coed Volleyball Night Young AM Children's 10:00 Playdate for Vespers Great PM 6:00 Three Holy the of Feast the Hierarchs 7:00 PM Parish Council Meeting 7:30 PM Coed Volleyball Night F e a s t o f Day NewYear's t h e C i r c u …d S a v i o r J e s u s C h r i s t Day King Luther Jr. Martin 7 31 14 21 28 ce for f Sunday 11:30 AM Catechism AM 11:30 12:15 PM Three Hierarchs Event-AHEPA/Hellenic Studies 2:00 PM Eleftheria Dance Dance Eleftheria PM 2:00 Col- Practice HDF PM 6:00 Orthros AM 8:30 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 Catechism AM 11:30 Philoptochos PM 12:00 Membership Tea and Lun- cheon Orthros AM 8:30 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 Catechism AM 11:30 Orthros AM 8:30 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 8:30 AM Orthros AM 8:30 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 11:40 AM A Memorial Ser- Bil- Elaine givenis vice by giv-is Artoklasia PM 12:00 Bil- Elaine Pauland by en New Rental: PM 3:00 Vespers- Great PM 5:00 Orthros AM 8:30 DivineLiturgy AM 10:00 Catechism AM 11:30 Philoptochos AM 11:45 for tray 2nd and Vasilopita O of Oath PM 12:00 Council Parish New Sunday after the Feast of Theophany Luke of Sunday 15th 1 6 t h S u n d a y o f L u …l i c a n a n d P h a r i s e e Sunday before Epiphany before Sunday Eve NewYear's S y n a x i s o f S t . J o h n t …r u n n e r a n d B a p t i s t January 2018 HOLY TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 3431 TRICKUM ROAD NE Marietta, GA 30066-4660 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 am-5:30 pm 770.924.8080, Fax - 770.924.3030 Email: [email protected] Web Page: www.holytransfiguration.info/ Web Page: www.mariettagreekfestival.org

Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, Ph.D., Protopresbyter Rev. Fr. George Pallas, Protopresbyter Rev. Fr. Paul Lundberg, Presbyter Rev. Fr. John Brown, Presbyter Anne Willcocks, Parish Administrator Michael Gavalas, Liturgical & Facilities Support Scan to view our Website Iancu Nica, Sexton

DATE PC DUTY ACOLYTES GREETERS PROSFORO USHERS

K. Niarchos/K. D. Botni/K. Johnson/ 1/7 P. Markley/S. Tingas St. Peter S. Gianaris/P. Koutouzis Panov/R. Peppas S. Kargas/M. Strakes

C. Smith/C. I. & J. Dymond/ 1/14 M. Jacobs/J. Papastrat St. James I. & J. Dymond Sprouse/I. Steffas R. Peppas/B. Reid

E. Linebaugh/H. S. Tidwell/M. P. Bilson/C. Sprouse/ 1/21 Mavromatidis St. John K. Johnson/V. Worden Tingas/F. Tucker A. Zakreski/M. Zavala

T. Vamvakias/E. K. & A. Lilly/ 1/28 K. Bilson/Z. Kollias St. Peter P. Dunkerly/E. Markley Bilson/A. Burke E. Nikolas/A. Reale

St. James Altar Servers: Captain-Gabriel Mavromatidis Chris Bridgers, Evan Bilson, Andrew Bourgeois, Aaron Brown, Matthew Buchan, Constantine Gavalas, Alex Goldsholl, Jack Goldsholl, Yianni Gormanos, Gabriel Hennenfent, Kris Kollias, Nicholas Levantis, Nicholas Lukens, Jeremy Mavromatidis, Jacob Mavromatidis, Aubrey Moraitakis, George Moraitakis, Angelo Nichols, Matthew Paulson, Angelos Powell, Mitchell Starks, Niko Tiller.

St. John Altar Servers: Captain-Matthew Azimzadeh Christopher Alberts, Steven Ardagna, Andrew Bass, Theo Bliss, Anthony Bundros, Christian Coleman, Carter Copses, Jay Copses, Mason Copses, Nick Danos, Cole Foster, Alex Gekas, Kaleb Hotnog, William Jansma, Alexander Morgan, Tommy O’Brien, Evan Papadopoulos, Alexander Thorne, Braden Thorne, Csaba Wagner, Romeo Wagner

St. Peter Altar Servers: Captain-Morgan Lilly Zach Bethune, Hal Bradford, III, Brody Brooks, Yianni Costarides, Nicholas Demakis, Manuel Frangis, Stephen Harrah, Zayne Isaac, Luke Melissas, Alek Nikolich, Matthew Shanahan, Evan Strakes, Michael Tsogas, Leo Tzavaras, Ted Tzavaras, Jianni Vacratsas, Stefano Vacratsas, Michael Vastakis, Panayiotis Vlachos.

Note: If your son is not listed and should be, please contact Fr. Paul.